Veronica Arts Media (VAM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through media arts, STEAM, literacy, and creative expression. VAM provides engaging, hands-on programming that gives students opportunities to explore filmmaking, podcasting, digital media, storytelling, technology, sports media, and other creative disciplines.

Through school-based, after-school, summer, and community programs, VAM creates supportive learning environments where young people can build confidence, strengthen communication and collaboration skills, and develop their own creative voices. Rather than simply participating in activities, students take an active role as creators—developing original films, podcasts, digital projects, and presentations that reflect their ideas, experiences, and interests.

VAM partners with schools, community-based organizations, educators, teaching artists, and other youth-serving organizations to provide high-quality programming that supports students academically, socially, and creatively. The organization is committed to ensuring that young people, particularly those in historically underserved communities, have access to meaningful arts and media experiences that expand their skills, expose them to new career pathways, and create memories that last a lifetime.

We are seeking passionate, experienced Activity Specialists with a vested interest in arts and academic integration for long term teaching opportunities at our partner schools. Activity specialists must have demonstrated previous experience in their trained specialty, ideally in NYC public school settings. We are seeking educators who share our belief in the power of experiential learning. VAM Activity Specialists act as the lead instructors in VAM after school programs. If you love working with children in the Arts, then this a great opportunity to share your passion for the Arts in our afterschool programs, summer programs and special projects in various areas.

Specialty Area(s): Drama, Dance, Music, Visual Arts, Chess, Culinary Arts, Fashion/Sewing, STEM, Performing Arts, News Media Arts, Athletics, etc. If you do not have experience in these areas, DO NOT APPLY.

Core Responsibilities

• Complete professional development each calendar year.
• Attend all meetings, training workshops, and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Curriculum & Activity Planning

• Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area.
• Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
• Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance; maintain an organized, safe activity space.

Facilitation & Youth Engagement

• Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels.
• Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
• Build strong relationships with youth; encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
• Adapt activities as needed based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
• Assist in all activities needed for the orderly operation of the program, inclusive of: supervising participants during snack/supper, facilitating dismissal, conducting field trips, hosting special events, etc.
• Provide strong classroom and behavioral management skills, ensuring that all participants follow agency and program rules.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
• Actively participate in all aspects of professional development, including scheduled supervision, team meetings, pre-service training, and additional paid professional development training required. Demonstrate key competencies including: initiative, teamwork, cooperation, preparedness, professionalism, reliability, and a willingness to continuously improve.
• Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
• Build positive relations with youth and adults to serve as a role model with respect to demeanor, communication, and behavior.
• Adhere to and provide direction to staff in a manner that ensures that program areas are neat and clean, and that equipment and supplies are managed appropriately.

Safety, Documentation, & Compliance

• Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
• Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
• Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.

Send resume and cover letter to info@veronicaartsmedia.org or apply online at www.veronicaartsmedia.org/careers